The effects of exercise on the biomechanical and biochemical properties of swine digital flexor tendons.

The digital flexor tendons of the miniature swine were studied after 12 mo of running exercise. Using a newly developed methodology whereby the properties of tendon substance and tendon-bone composite are measured simultaneously, it was found that training augments the strength of the tendon insertion site, but has minimal effect on the tendon substance. Biochemical analyses also showed that the collagen concentration in the tendon substance remains unchanged following exercise. There was also moderate, but not significant, tendon hypertrophy. The present results on flexor tendon differ from those previously obtained for the swine digital extensors [6]. Such difference in response to functional stress may be attributed to the biochemical composition and mechanical properties of these tissues.